I work exclusively with small businesses and have been developing websites for many years. I have always leaned towards WordPress in my development because of the ease of use and the ability to share how to use it with my clients.
But that’s not to say I have not used other websites structures in the past. I have used and updated websites that are built on Godaddy, Wix, and Weebly. And also Wordpress.com. I have even done blog posting for someone using Shopify, so I’m confident in saying I’ve seen how the other side works.
Which brings me back to the topic of this article which is builder websites and the issues that I see using them as a small business owner.
Top Issues With Self Builder Websites
Let me start by saying, if you are on a website builder type platform, one thing you need to understand is, you can never take your website with you if you want to leave. It has to be completely rebuilt somewhere else.
Cpanel Issues
One of the most frustrating things that I see and have worked with is the GoDaddy system. Each time I have to work on one, I cringe. It is theirs and you cannot download anything to move it.
Also, if your site is built on a “cPanel” with GoDaddy, you have to go through their portal to do anything. You cannot have technical assistance through outside resources without giving up your password or allowing someone to become an admin on your account.
And stuff is not the same as a traditional cPanel, for those who use that technology. It is a different version or a created version just for GoDaddy.
Confusing layouts
Another problem that I see with the builder sites is that you have typical themes and page setups that you can mix and match but it is not an easy system to actually plug-in the information to these specific laid out areas. You have to go three or four places into the page to actually do any updates which makes it frustrating.
Little SEO Opportunities
Another issue with the builder sites is that there is no built-in search engine optimization, or very little. These sites are built mainly image-heavy, with not a lot of space for detail, which is not great for search engine optimization.
The search engines consume content and text is heavily and exclusively used to describe who you are and what you’re selling along with product information and description.
Some sites will allow you to pay extra for SEO services…. (reserving comment. Sigh)
Heavy Costs
I also have a problem with the price. While it sounds cheap to pay only $15 a month or $29.95 a month, when you add up the cost of that website over the year, you’re paying a load of money in excess of what you really need to pay for a functional website that can do more for you.
Not your Website
Like I mentioned above with any of these builder sites, you cannot take it with you if you choose to go to another platform. If you have a GoDaddy site, or a Wix or Weebly site, you will have to reconstruct that site somewhere else.
Is There a Place for These Type of Websites?
Absolutely. But you have to know what you’re looking for and your specific needs for your business.
If you only need a simple Contact and About Me business website because you sell services locally, then absolutely get something you can drag and drop to create a nice looking site.
But if you’re looking for a website that allows you to grow your business and have extra tools that you need inside your website, these type of drag and drop sites are not for you.
Confused?
Confused about what to do for your business? Contact me and let’s talk. I’m more than happy to consult with you to find the best use of your money for a website that shows off for your business, to its best ability.
Remember these are my opinions and you may feel differently.
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